The Heart of the Matter

Don Henley

About The Heart of the Matter

"The Heart of the Matter" is a song recorded by American rock singer Don Henley from his third solo studio album, The End of the Innocence (1989). Written by Henley, Mike Campbell, and J. D. Souther and produced by Henley, Campbell, and Danny Kortchmar, the song was released as the album's third single, reaching No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks in early 1990. The shorter radio edit version omits the "I'm learning to live without you now, but I miss you baby" lyric and skips directly to "I've been trying to get down to the heart of the matter". In 1994 Henley, along with the Eagles, played an acoustic version of the song at their reunion concert; the performance was omitted from the Hell Freezes Over live album, but was included in the concert DVD. The song was covered by American soul singer India. Arie in 2006 on her third studio album, Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship. Her version of the song is used in the second episode of Brothers & Sisters, entitled "An Act of Will", and in the theatrical trailer for the 2008 film adaptation of Sex and the City. It is also played briefly in a scene of the film. more »

Year:: 2002
: 5:58
: 188 Views
Playlists:: #1

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Don Henley

Donald Hugh "Don" Henley (born July 22, 1947, in Gilmer, Texas) is an American singer, songwriter and drummer, best known as a founding member of the Eagles before launching a successful solo career. Henley was the drummer and lead vocalist for the Eagles from 1971–1980, when the band broke up. Henley sings lead vocals on Eagles hits such as "Witchy Woman", "Desperado", "Best of My Love", "One of These Nights", "Hotel California", "Life in the Fast Lane", and "The Long Run". He and Glenn Frey formed one of the most successful songwriting partnerships in music history. more »

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12 facts about this song

Artist Background Don Henley, one of the founding members of the Eagles, released "The Heart of the Matter" as a solo artist.
Song Concepts The song deals with forgiving those who have wronged us and letting go of past resentments, suggesting it is 'The Heart of the Matter.'
Release Date The song was released in 1989, on Henley's third solo album, 'The End of the Innocence'.
Chart Performance "The Heart of the Matter" did well commercially, reaching No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the Mainstream Rock charts in the United States.
Songwriter Contribution Mike Campbell, the guitarist for Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, co-wrote "The Heart of the Matter."
Pop-Culture Impact The song was mentioned in Nick Hornby's bestselling novel, "High Fidelity" and also appeared in its film adaptation.
Celebrity Influence India Arie covered "The Heart of the Matter" for her 2006 album 'Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship', highlighting the song's capacity to bridge genres.
Social Relevance "The Heart of the Matter" is often used in movies and TV shows that deal with themes of heartbreak and forgiveness.
Performance Style The song is known for its poignant lyrics and Henley's soulful, emotive vocal performance.
Production Team The song was produced by Don Henley, Mike Campbell, and Danny Kortchmar, all notable figures in the rock music world.
Critical Recognition Despite not being recognized by the Grammys or other major awards, "The Heart of the Matter" is still considered one of Henley's most iconic and beloved songs.
Legacy Impact "The Heart of the Matter" continues to be a staple of classic rock radio and features regularly in Henley's live performances.

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"The Heart of the Matter Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/6275573/Don+Henley/The+Heart+of+the+Matter>.

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